Women hating Women

I know I have been long since MIA on here but I checked my formspring for the first time in a couple of months and I had a question I thought some of you might enjoy reading.

Q: What I, and most of my friends find odd is that you claim to support body acceptance but have altered a photograph of yours in your blog.

The photo where you were showing what you wore for school was altered to make you look thinner.

Ironic.

To which I replied with...:

A: I actually don't know how to use those kinds of tools in photoshop.

However, I, find it funny that you need come on here to ask this when it actually took me 2 weeks to find this because you are that sad about yourself you have to ask me about my blog.

If you dislike me so much, don't read what I write because I don't write it for you.

Here is the thing, readers. This girl obviously has an issue with me, but instead of attacking my intelligence, she decided to talk about my weight. She must has low self-confidence if she felt the need to ask this anonymously on the internet. I am simply going to say that I am posting this so other people can see that there is no shame in just being yourself.

I don't have any reason to edit photos of myself because I don't need to. I like the way I look, and I like my attitude. And yes, I weigh 160 pounds, I have nothing to hide! I keep people in my life that I can be myself around. I have never needed to pretend I am something I'm not, it takes a long time for some people to be comfortable with the person that they are mentally, physically, spiritually, and I hope that she will get there some day. I am sorry that she does not have anything of her own going on because I really would encourage this girl to maybe consider getting a new hobby. Or perhaps taking a class in feminism, or hey, why not etiquette?

Girl Power: The Nineties Revolution in Music

I am yet another blogger to step up to my book reviewing soap-box to talk about "Girl Power: The Nineties Revolution in Music" by Marisa Meltzer. I have read alot of reviews of the book, and alot of bloggers have taken to writing about it. Well, you can add me to that list because I was so excited this past week when my copy arrived in the mail (I ordered it from Amazon.com).

I am a girl who grew up during the nineties, and when I saw grew up, I mean I was a child. So, I missed the movement the first time around. However, I did have my share of playground clapping games while singing Alanis Morissette in about, Kindergarten. I also was exposed to Nirvana at about 4 when I would steal my older brothers cassette tapes. (Thanks Larry, by the way, I still have your copy of Pearl Jam "Ten")

Anyway, I was really interested to read this book, and although there wasn't a whole lot of new information, I enjoyed reading something written from the perspective of someone that was there. Thanks Marisa for letting me live vicariously through you for a few hours.

The book examines riot grrrl and the effect on the music coming from mainstream women artists of the time. Riot Grrrl paved the way for a lot of people to be exposed to ideals that were not necessarily mainstream. You can argue about whether you like this or not, Marisa gives both views, but agrees that in some strange way it ended up positively. It shows how this revolutionary music spread to more mainstream women rockers (Hole, Liz Phair, Alanis Morissette) to the marketing of the Spice Girls, up to the age of teen pop-stars (Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson). The book ties it all together for you, plus adds where we are now with Ladyfests, her trip to the Spice Girl reunion tour, and girl rock camps. I really wish the book was longer because it was easy, interesting, thought-provoking and enjoyable to read.

My personal opinion on this whole feminism/girl power going mainstream is that as a child who listened to the Spice Girls, I am so glad I had them to listen to when I was growing up. I understand why the women of the original movement were pissed that their ideals got so watered down, and became mainstream and marketing tools, but I don't know if I would have ever found my way to riot grrrl as a 13 year old girl if it wasn't for the Spice Girls. Even if corporations abused feminism into marketing to young girls, they did something else too, they made role models available to young girls of my generation that are stronger than the pop-stars around today. Mainstream took the message of feminism, and their marketing worked because they simplified it into something a 7 year old girl could understand, and gave me the interest to discover riot grrrl and explore feminism, and to write this damn thing right now. And like the majority of teen girls into punk, riot grrrl saved my life.

The Supremes

Sorry for the long absence but the laptop has been broken, and the desktop hates Blogger for some reason. I am happy to be back, I hate not writing.

The other day I heard 'Baby Love' on the radio, which immediately made me go download a bunch of The Supremes' songs. I can't think of anything better to listen to driving in the car on a nice sunny day than some Motown.

I want to be a Supreme when I grow up (hahah). Don't they have the most amazing hair, makeup, and wardrobe? I included some performances at the end of the photos.

Keep Breakfast at Tiffany's, I'll take Funny Face

I know 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' created the LBD and all, but what about the SBP (skinny black pant)? I love 'Funny Face', well I love both films actually, but this one is a little more underrated than 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'.

I mean, come on, Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Richard Avedon, fashion montages, Paris, and Technicolor. What more could you want in a musical film?

Off to NYC

In a few hours I am going to be on my way into the city for the night. I thought I would share some vintage pictures of New York City. It used to be so much more beautiful, but it really is such an inspiring and breathtaking city. I am proud to call it my home, I cannot wait til I can afford to move back. I am going to be staying with my friend Jenna until later on Tuesday. Looking forward to summer when I can stay for a bit of a longer trip, summers in NYC are the best.

Thankfully, I will NOT be in Times Square like these pictures. Be back soon!

Raquel Reed

Raquel Reed has been on my radar for quite sometime now, but I thought now was the right time to post as she has just come out with her first music video, "The Fast Lane". Raquel is a model, make-up artist, and up and coming singer out of New York City.

She is best known for her modeling but has recently put on her musical hat. I would say it will be a very short time til we hear her on the radio as she has been modeling for years and has a big fan base. In addition to the debut of her first music video, Raquel just released a new song which she collaborated on with Redman. You can download all her music on iTunes and I have included the music video below the photos.

Now when Perez Hilton mentions Raquel, tell him you heard it here first ;)

Fashion Tips and Makeup Tutorial for Lady Gaga's 'Telephone'

You probably either love her or hate her, either way Lady Gaga has definitely caught your attention. I bet you sometimes wonder how you can be inspired by her look without getting arrested for wearing no pants or running to your local grocery store to impulsively dye your hair Platinum Blonde. Lady Gaga's new video 'Telephone' is pop culture at it's best and outrageous fashion heaven. I am going to give you some tips on how to make this look wearable and affordable at the same time. I have also included a make-up tutorial so you can get the makeup look at home.

This is just a sample of ways to add the look of 'Telephone' to your regular wardrobe. The great news is all the items are under 45 dollars, most of them you can pick up at the mall, and you can wear them all together or mix and match.

telephone by thescreensiren featuring Betsey Johnson bags

Items in this set:
Variegated Stripe Cacoon Sweater - Women's Clothing and Apparel - Chic..., $44
Studded Faux Leather Jacket, $40
FULL TILT Slash Leg Womens Leggings, $18
Studded Booties, $37
Betsey Johnson Handbags & Purses

Some key points when shopping for this look are:

Leather/Studs- If Lady Gaga's studded jacket is a little too punk for your personal style you can incorporate the leather studded look in a variety of ways. Leather studded cuffed bracelets is a way to get the look on a smaller scale. Shoes are another, there are a variety of styles available, gladiator studded for summer is cute, or strappy leather studded heels for a night out. I personally like the bootie.

Stripes- Black and white stripes are always in style, you could wear them in a dress, or a shirt. You could go classic or pick one with some visual interest like the shirt above. The changing of the size of the stripes breaks it up a bit. Avoid a romper, I tried it... it looked like I escaped from jail.

Bold Sunglasses- Sunglasses are really big in this video. Lady Gaga wears ones similar to the ones above except covered in cigarettes, Beyonce wears huge round Jackie-O style glasses, and a customer in the diner has animal print ones. A safe bet for this is to pick a bold shape in basic black.

Americana- This one is a tough one to pull off in an everyday look without looking like you are celebrating Fourth of July. Use an inspired look with caution.

Dark Lips- The ladies in 'Telephone' wear just about every shade of red on their lips in this video. 'Diva' by MAC is a great option for the hair can look. 'Ruby Woo' by MAC is a beautiful red for Beyonce's look. Both are Matte finish and completely wearable.

So once you have the clothes down you can get the makeup look easily at home. I was able achieve this look simply with things I already had in my makeup bag.

Goal:

Supplies needed:

Foundation in your base color

Black Eyeshadow

White Eyeshadow

Brow Eyeshadow

Black Liquid Eyeliner

Black Pencil Eyeliner

Black Mascara

Maroon Lipstick

Blush (optional)

Step 1: Start out with a clean face

Step 2: Apply Foundation. I use Covergirl's Ulitmate Finish in Classic Ivory which is a liquid powder. I first apply it with a foundation brush in an upward motion and then smooth with a sponge.

Step 3 (optional): It doesn't appear that Lady Gaga has much blush on if any, but if you are like me and you really love to use blush... go for it. I use Clinique Blushwear Creamstick in 'Rosy Blush'. I apply it directly from the stick high on my cheek bones and blend with my fingers.

Step 4: Color in your eyebrows. Lady Gaga has really intense brows in 'Telephone' you can adjust this for what intensity you want. I chose to follow my natural eyebrow and darken it with a black shadow. Any black shadow will do, I apply it with an eyeshadow applicator. Do not freak out if it looks too dark right now, it will work when the rest of the look comes together.

Step 5: Cover your entire eyelid up to your eyebrow with white eyeshadow.

Step 6: Apply a brown eye shadow in your crease. Start from the end of the eyebrow and apply it to the middle of the eyebrow. Go back and apply it up at the end of the brow for a cat-eye effect.

Step 7: Apply liquid eyeliner. This can be a bit difficult if you aren't used to using liquid liner. Try to keep a steady hand, if both eyes aren't even you can always apply it again. Start at the inner corner of your eyelid with a thin line, follow the natural curve of your eye. When you reach about the middle of your eye increase the thickness of the line and extend it out to the end of your eyebrow. Then start a new line going from the corner of your eye downward to your bottom lashes, this will be blended in the next step.

Step 8: Using a black eye liner pencil connect the top line down along the bottom lash line. Stop where your lashes end and do not apply this to the inner rim.

Step 9: Apply black mascara to your top lashes, I use Great Lash in the pink/green bottle. Seriously, I love this stuff.. it's the oldest trick in the book. Coat from the bottom of the lashes to the top. Apply as many coats as you find necessary to the top lashes. Then apply one coat to your bottom lashes.

Step 10: Apply a faux birthmark under your eye. This is optional but I really think it is what makes the Gaga look so great. You can apply it with a black pencil first and then go over it with liquid.

Step 11: Apply lipcolor. My personal choice for this would have been 'Diva' by MAC which is maroon and has a matte finish, but I have misplaced it. I improvised using 'Ruby Woo' by MAC and apply a maroon lip gloss over it.

Final Look:

Thanks for reading! Try out the tutorial and let me know how it works for you.